A/70/PV.111 General Assembly

Members will recall that the General Assembly adopted resolution 70/291 at its 110th plenary meeting, held on 1 July. We shall now continue with the remaining speakers on the list for this item.

Let me begin by extending our sincere sympathies and condolences to the people and the Government of Iraq on the terror attack in the Karada district of Baghdad, as well as to the people and the Government of Bangladesh on the barbaric attack in Dhaka. Armenia thanks the Permanent Representative of Argentina and the Permanent Representative of Iceland and their efficient and able teams for successfully facilitating the consultations on resolution 70/291. We reiterate our full commitment to supporting the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, an important framework for international action against terrorism. However, Armenia regrets that, in the eighth preambular paragraph of the resolution, the principles of international law are reflected in a selective way, thereby failing to embrace the full letter and spirit of the Charter of the United Nations. Armenia recalls and reiterates that the self-determination of peoples constitutes a fundamental principle of the Charter of the United Nations. The failure to reflect the fundamentals of the Charter in its entirety in that paragraph is a serious flaw of the resolution. International terrorism continues to pose a highly significant threat to global peace and security. The scourge of terrorism has become more diffuse with the increase in terrorist acts, including those motivated by intolerance and extremism. We note with profound concern that terrorism continues to seriously threaten international peace and security and believe that terrorism is one of the most dangerous challenges facing us today. Combating it is no longer a national issue, but one for the entire international community. We strongly condemn the indiscriminate killing and deliberate targeting of civilians; mass executions; extrajudicial killings; the persecution of individuals and entire communities on the basis of their religion or belief; the kidnapping of civilians, including for the purposes of receiving ransom; the forced displacement of members of minority groups; attacks on schools and hospitals; and the destruction of cultural and religious sites. Armenia strongly supports the Secretary-General’s call upon national authorities to make more concerted efforts to mainstream human rights and the rule of law in their counter-terrorism policies and practices. We have therefore supported and particularly welcomed recent Security Council resolutions that tackle the important issues of foreign terrorist fighters, countering violent extremism, the financing of terrorism and kidnapping for ransom, among others. The international community should stand united to step up our efforts to work hand-in-hand towards further strengthening the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which is a key framework to address all dimensions of terrorism. No country in the world is immune to terrorism. Those supporting extremist groups and terrorist networks by financing, training, supplying and allowing terrorists to freely roam across their borders should be reminded that foreign terrorist fighters pose a serious threat not only to the States to which they travel, but also to their States of origin and transit. Those who encourage widespread manifestations of intolerance and hate speech against another State, nation and/or persons, who consider themselves to be of a different origin, and preach hate speech through social media and education institutions should be reminded that such actions may constitute incitement to extreme violence, mass atrocities and the fuelling of terrorist ideology. It is high time to implement those various international legal instruments dealing with terrorist crimes, including cross-boundary terrorist activities. Most of those conventions require States to establish jurisdiction over terrorist offenses committed by their nationals abroad. We would like to highlight the specific roles of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate in promoting and facilitating cooperation across multiple jurisdictions. In the same spirit, Armenia also supports the Secretary-General’s calls to contribute to security-sector reforms. I would like to emphasize that Armenia has continued to take important steps in the fight against international terrorism, which includes improvements to its border security, significant changes to export- control laws and the holding of, and actively participating in, international anti-terrorism workshops and training courses. With regard to regional and international cooperation in countering terrorism, I would like to point out that Armenia has been actively engaged in the relevant initiatives of organizations such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), NATO, the European Union (EU), the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Council of Europe. Armenia was one of founding members of the Rapid Reaction Collective Forces of the CSTO, which enables rapid deployment for the purposes of preventing military aggression and conducting special operations against international terrorism and organized crime. Through a new individual Partnership Action Plan on terrorism with NATO, my country continues to develop its cooperation on counter-terrorism issues with that organization. We continue to collaborate effectively with the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on the evaluation of anti-money-laundering measures and the financing of terrorism. Armenia has been extensively engaged with EU in initiatives such as the South Caucasus Integrated Border Management project, which facilitates enhanced and integrated border-security operations. In conclusion, Armenia reiterates its determination to work together with other Member States to redouble our collective efforts to combat international terrorism and fight violent extremism, whatever form it takes and wherever it occurs.

In the face of terrorism, it is our duty to stand together and united; it is our duty to send a strong and positive signal to the world. Terrorists strike all over the world, and they strike indiscriminately and blindly. The past year — indeed, the past weeks — have been an edifying reminder of the cruelty of terrorist acts. We are all shaken by the horrifying attacks that took place recently around the world, including in my own country. Let me take this opportunity to convey my condolences to all those affected by all heinous terrorist acts. We can never overstate enough that terrorism should not and cannot be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. It has no identity but that of barbarity and hatred. We reaffirm once again our unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We welcome the consensus adoption of resolution 70/291, the review resolution on the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. In that regard, I would like to pay tribute to the Permanent Representative of Argentina and the Permanent Representative of Iceland, as well as their respective teams, for their tremendous efforts in facilitating the fifth review process of the Strategy. The adoption of this consensus resolution, in particular on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Strategy, is an opportunity to reaffirm our relentless efforts to prevent and counter terrorism, as well as our commitment to the continued implementation of the Strategy. The review resolution reaffirms the central role of the General Assembly in combating terrorism and underscores once again the importance of an integrated, comprehensive and balanced approach to its four complementary pillars. That is critical given that terrorism is a multifaceted and global threat that cannot be addressed without strong international cooperation, as no country can eliminate it alone and as no country is immune from it. However, while no country is immune from terrorism, some countries happen to be more affected than others. In Lebanon, which is tragically and continuously stricken by terrorism, our people are still mourning the loss of families and friends after the two consecutive attacks last week in the village of Qaa. I wish to reiterate that Lebanon, which is party to most of the counter-terrorism conventions, and consistent with its Government’s 2014 policy declaration, remains on the front line of the fight against terrorism. We remain convinced that prevention is fundamental to eradicating once and for all the plague of terrorism. In that context, we welcome the reference in the resolution to youth empowerment, as they have a significant role to play in the prevention of terrorism and the violent extremism that is conducive to it. Youth communities play a key role in my country, where a vibrant civil society offers platforms for inclusive dialogue for its youth, with full respect for their intellectual diversity. The attention given to education is also highly important in addressing the drivers of terrorism. Education should disseminate values of openness, understanding of the other, critical thinking and dialogue, as well as the ability to foster solutions together. Let me also highlight the positive contribution of women, as they undeniably contribute to stable and peaceful societies. The protection of cultural heritage is another instrumental element. When terrorists pillage, destroy and burn to ashes cultural heritage preserved throughout centuries, they wipe out evidence of our common humanity and our immutable memory. We cannot let terrorist groups exploit the growing frustrations of individuals to lure them onto this dark path. We therefore need to be aware of the crucial need to uproot the causes that lead to terrorism and violent extremism conducive to it, such as protracted conflicts, foreign occupation, poverty, marginalization, xenophobia and double standards in the application of international law. While all of these causes do not necessarily lead to terrorist radicalization of individuals, those groups use those injustices and grievances to fuel their hate speech and justify their narratives. When dealing with counter-terrorism, we must also keep in mind that it should not be associated with other principles recognized under international law, such as the right to self-determination and to resist foreign occupation. In that regard, my delegation would like to denounce the attempts of one delegation to label as terrorism the legitimate right to resist foreign occupation. The same delegation turns a blind eye to terrorist acts committed by its citizens in territories it continues to occupy in flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the principles and rules of international law. In conclusion, our ability to uphold human rights standards while countering terrorism — which are convergent objectives — has been severely tested during these times of turmoil. We must be up to this challenge.

The Philippines joins previous speakers in reaffirming its commitment against terrorism, one of the gravest threats to international peace and security. Terrorism is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of the motivation behind it and whenever and by whomever it is committed. We condemn in the strongest terms all acts of terrorism committed anywhere in the world, most recently in Orlando, Florida; in Istanbul, Turkey; in Dhaka, Bangladesh; in Baghdad, Iraq; and in Medina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which have killed many innocent people and injured hundreds more. We especially condemn terrorism committed in our own country, most recently by the Abu Sayyaf group, which senselessly took the lives of Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall. We reiterate our pledge to capture the murderers and to bring them to justice. We again extend our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the victims. In the decade since 2006, when we adopted the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, we have become even more undaunted and determined. Today, we appreciate learning about one another’s success stories when it comes to national implementation of the Strategy, even as we note the gaps speakers have identified so that together we can address them. That has been true for our own region, through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Convention on Counter Terrorism. We thank and congratulate the delegations of Argentina and Iceland for co-facilitating the consultations on resolution 70/291, which we recently adopted. It was not an easy task. We also extend our appreciation to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (A/70/826) on the implementation of the Strategy. Since the fourth review, two years ago, and through international, regional and bilateral cooperation, including through the exchange of information and best practices, the Philippines has accomplished the following. On pillar I, on addressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, the Philippines has prepared a framework for countering violent extremism through the whole-of-nation approach. This engages non-traditional Government agencies, the academy and the private sector as partners in counter-radicalization and/or deradicalization by implementing community awareness campaigns and targeting programmes on hardening against terrorism, within the framework of the rule of law and human rights. Intercultural and interfaith dialogue lies at its core, because we believe that respect for human dignity is the basis for greater understanding, respect and tolerance among peoples. As Chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) last year, the Philippines negotiated the inclusion of initiatives on countering foreign terrorist fighters and violent extremism in the work plan of the APEC Counter-Terrorism Working Group. The Philippines has also harnessed the key role of women and youth in counter-terrorism. Through the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, we have organized Muslim leaders and teachers, particularly women, into a national network and force for moderation, peace, democracy and development. Through the Philippine Marine Corps, we also sustain our annual Football for Peace competition, not only to hone the sports skills of young people from conflict areas, but also to engender a culture of peace in their outlook. On pillar II, on preventing and combating terrorism, the Philippines has long supported global efforts to counter violent extremism, even before last year’s adoption of Security Council resolution 2178 (2014), on foreign terrorist fighters. We continue to develop our capacity to win hearts and minds in order to detect and prevent homegrown violent extremism. That has raised security awareness among local communities and served in training them in monitoring and preventing terrorist attacks against vital installations and critical infrastructure, including economic key points and places of convergence. Last November, the Philippine Congress adopted the Strategic Trade Management Act, a law that seeks to uphold national security and support counter-terrorism efforts by preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in our country. The Act complements our legal regime against terrorism and extremism, namely, our Human Security Act of 2007, as well as our Anti-Money-Laundering Law and our Anti-Terrorist Financing Law, both of which were adopted in 2012. Our Anti-Money-Laundering Council, in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, has been conducting training sessions for policymakers, prosecutors and law enforcement and intelligence authorities on countering the financing of terrorism. On pillar III, on capacity-building and strengthening the United Nations role, the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Centre of Excellence Initiative regional headquarters was established in Manila in 2014. The Anti-Terrorism Council Program Management Center is acting as the secretariat. In that regard, the Philippines adopted its national action plan and hosted, in August 2015, an ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) workshop on raising awareness and promoting ARF cooperation in CBRN risk management. Nineteen CBRN projects enjoy the cooperation of the European Union and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute. At the United Nations, the Group of Friends of CBRN Risk Mitigation and Security Governance was launched by Georgia, Morocco and the Philippines. Finally, on pillar IV, on ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law as the fundamental basis in fighting terrorism, earlier this year the Philippines finalized its national strategy against terrorism — a product of a series of workshops involving members of the Anti-Terrorism Council and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. The strategy is built on four work streams, namely, preventing, protecting, preparing and responding with whole-of- nation and rule-of-law-based approaches as guiding principles. I wish to conclude as I began: by repeating that we remain undaunted, we remain determined, with all our partners, in the fight against terrorism. And with our collective will and efforts, we will overcome.

My delegation would first like to express its appreciation to the co-facilitators — Argentina and Iceland — and to the diligent experts involved in preparing the review document of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution 70/291), which we adopted on 1 July. Special acknowledgement goes to the Secretary- General’s initiative to strengthen the joint efforts of the international community in preventing violent extremism and terrorism through his Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. For over a month, we experienced a degree of cooperation, understanding, flexibility and involvement that proves that every Member State is committed to a comprehensive and consensual Counter-Terrorism Strategy. With the conclusion of the fifth review process of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, Albania reiterates its alignment with countries that have strong expectations for the implementation of the resolution. We also align ourselves with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union on 1 July (see A/70/PV.109). We should all unite in our efforts and commitments to fight against violent extremism. Concrete actions by every single country are required to strengthen the ability of the international community to confront the threats and challenges of terrorism. The Government of Albania expresses its solidarity and deepest sympathy to all the people and the Governments affected by the violent tactics causing the loss of innocent human lives. Albania continues to encourage the activities of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and remains committed to supporting international cooperation and United Nations instruments on counter- terrorism, in particular those based on the protection of human rights and the promotion of the rule of law. Regional cooperation is of the utmost importance in effectively addressing the phenomena of violent extremism and foreign terrorist fighters. We continue to join efforts in the implementation of all four pillars of the Strategy as part of a balanced approach. Furthermore, we believe it is essential to develop comprehensive strategies to counter violent extremism at the national level — not just to counter radicalization and recruitment, but also to properly assess and, where possible, reintegrate returning foreign terrorist fighters. On 18 November 2015, Albania adopted a strategy on countering violent extremism, which is currently being implemented. We are also working to improve regional cooperation on the implementation of conventions aimed at countering and preventing violent extremism by streamlining and better coordinating with the regional cooperation council. In addition, inter-agency work is under way to draft a national strategy on counter-terrorism for the period 2016-2020, which will harmonize the energy and commitment of the Government, civil society and religious communities to make our fight against terrorism more targeted and efficient. I would like to conclude by welcoming the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy review. Albania remains committed to efforts to removing the root causes of terrorism, to building a society that resists the spread of radicalization, to empowering youth and women and to providing support and education, thereby countering extremist ideology at the local, national, regional and international levels.

My delegation welcomes the statement issued by the Secretary-General, as well as the statement delivered by the President of the General Assembly (see A/70/PV.109) during this debate on the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy review, which underlined the urgent need to send a strong and unequivocal message that the world will no longer condone or countenance terrorism. The most recent events of unparalleled carnage across the globe — including in our own region, in Bangladesh, and, preceding that, at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, and thereafter the carnage in Iraq — even while this debate is being held in the General Assembly, are grim reminders, if reminders are still necessary, of the urgent need for determined, collective and concerted action by the international community to counter terrorism. We extend our most sincere condolences to the families of the victims of those dastardly attacks, and we sympathize with those who have suffered injuries. As a country that suffered under the yoke of terrorism for nearly 30 long years, Sri Lanka stands in solidarity with the friendly Governments and the peoples of Bangladesh, Turkey and Iraq at this sad moment. We condemn those heinous acts of terrorism in the strongest possible terms. These attacks, from Istanbul to Dhaka to Baghdad and elsewhere, are, as the Secretary-General said, an attack on all of us, and it is indeed time for all of us to show solidarity and unity of purpose in combating this scourge. It is in that context that the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy becomes essential as a rallying call to action. All acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of the motivation behind them and wherever, whenever and by whomsoever they are committed. Sri Lanka condemns terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations. As we witnessed in the series of tragic events last week, terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism is not exclusive to any one country or region, but spreads across national borders. This increasing transnational phenomenon challenges existing borders and threatens the very principle of the sovereignty of States, upon which the international legal order is based. We continue to be deeply concerned about the acute and growing threat of foreign terrorist fighters. With tens of thousands of such fighters hailing from more than 100 States, it is imperative to harness global support and respond more urgently and with greater determination to these threats. International networks with linkages to organized crime are a critical lifeline for violent extremists and terrorist groups. This is not a phenomenon that a single State or a few States can deal with; rather, it demands a concerted global effort. It is therefore imperative for all Member States to pool their resources and, in particular, share intelligence to prevent and counter this phenomenon. We must also give due consideration to the fourth pillar of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy — ensuring that human rights and the rule of law are observed in global efforts to counter terrorism. While terrorists have dehumanized us in every way, the international community should not embrace the lawlessness of the terrorist and must never abandon its common humanity, which is what binds us together in our fight against terror. As stipulated in the resolution on the review of the Strategy (resolution 70/291), that would not only betray the values that we seek to uphold, but may also further fuel terrorism and violent extremism. At the same time, terrorism and violent extremism, as and when conducive to terrorism, cannot and must not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. As the resolution emphasizes, tolerance, pluralism, respect for diversity, dialogue among civilizations and the enhancement of interfaith and intercultural understanding and respect among people are among the most important elements in promoting cooperation in combating terrorism. In many parts of the world, violent extremism targets vulnerable and marginalized communities, children, minorities, women and girls. It is therefore imperative that we proactively include and engage those entities of the United Nations system that deal with children, minorities, women and girls. The large number of children who were victims in the massacre in Baghdad underlines the urgency of such engagement. The General Assembly unanimously adopted the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy to enhance national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism. As noble as those objectives are, we must also avoid lapsing into bureaucratic and cyclical practices. States must demonstrate the requisite political will and commitment to close ranks and make a determined and singular effort to overcome this challenge amid the rising toll of innocent human lives around us. We must recognize that the building blocks for a normative framework for enhancing international cooperation in those areas lie in the efforts undertaken by the General Assembly, in particular the work of the United Nations Ad-hoc Committee on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism, which has already resulted in a series of sectoral conventions on the suppression of terrorism being adopted. In that context, I must mention that, despite the support of most Member States and the mandate by the General Assembly to come up with a comprehensive legal framework to fill possible gaps in the existing sectoral conventions on terrorism, it is regrettable that there has been a failure to muster the necessary political will to break the current impasse surrounding the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism. It is also pertinent at this time to recall that the conclusion of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism was one of the key components of the 2006 United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Detailed elements of a compromise package have been before the Ad-hoc Committee and the working group since 2007. The search for an ideal and a perfect instrument must not become the enemy of the good and result in a collective failure of the Organization and all of its Member States. Any legal instrument we develop will require judicial interpretation having regard to the specificities of particular situations that may arise from time to time. Such provisions are not cast in stone, but must include the elements of flexibility of interpretation and application over time. The role of the General Assembly over the years in standard-setting has contributed markedly to the progressive development of international law and its codification. However, it is time now to act as one body. Our efforts must not be ones of business as usual. It is time for all Member States to muster the necessary political will to conclude a comprehensive convention, so that the international community sends out a strong and unequivocal sign of its collective will to combat terrorism and contributes to the effective implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. As someone who has been closely associated with the norm-creating process since the establishment of the Ad-hoc Committee, way back in 1998, let me reiterate to all delegations — with all the sincerity that I can command — that the time for sterile polemic and political debate is over. Too much innocent blood is being spilled with alarming frequency across national frontiers. It is urgent that we act now. Although much more could have been achieved, nevertheless Sri Lanka welcomes and supports the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We wish to express our deep appreciation to the co-facilitators of the fifth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the Ambassador of Argentina and the Ambassador of Iceland, for their indefatigable efforts in this complex task, as well as to reaffirm Sri Lanka’s commitment to the effective implementation of the Strategy.

Kenya wishes to join previous speakers in congratulating the President and the presidency for the manner in which they have steered the affairs of the General Assembly. Kenya also wishes to thank the delegations of Argentina and Iceland, co-facilitators of the intergovernmental process on the fifth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy at its tenth anniversary, for their tireless efforts to build consensus and, at the same time, facilitate agreement among Member States on a balanced document (resolution 70/291) that reflects our aspiration to eradicate terrorism. At the outset, allow me to reiterate my delegation’s commitment to the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its four pillars as the basis of our collective action against terrorism in a balanced and sustainable manner and in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. At this time, we express our solidarity with the Governments and the peoples of the countries that have suffered, and continue to suffer, unnecessary loss of life perpetrated through cowardly, backward and evil terrorist attacks by retrogressive forces in various parts of the world. On 1 July, when we were last here (see A/70/ PV.l10), near our northern border two passenger buses were sprayed with bullets by a cowardly gang and criminal group associated with the Al-Shabaab terrorist network. On that day, six innocent Kenyans lost their lives. Those cowards have now resorted to targeting innocent civilians going about their daily lives. They include children, as in the case of the attacks in Israel; travellers, as in the case of the attacks in Turkey; and worshipers breaking their fast, as in the case of the attacks in Cameroon. Also since we were last here a week ago, we have seen attacks in Bangladesh, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. We commiserate with the delegations and the peoples of those countries. However, Kenya will not be cowed into a state of fear. Kenyan security forces are actively pursuing that criminal gang. On this occasion, we also want to thank the United Nations and all Member States for their kind words at yet another difficult time. The threat posed by international terrorism is the greatest challenge to sustaining peace and sustainable development. It is a global challenge that requires concerted international efforts to eradicate. Terrorists have become more sophisticated, globalized, cruel and brutal as they continue to proliferate into various forms, such as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria/ Da’esh, Al-Qaida, Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab and other groups emerging in various parts of the world. Kenya welcomes the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism as a basis for each Member State to put its political will into concrete action against terrorism according to its unique national characteristics. We are currently aligning our counter- terrorism strategy and national action plan with the Plan of Action to enable us to enhance preventative actions, in particular through early-warning systems at the local and grass-roots level, as that is one of the most effective ways to snuff out the terrorist supply chain of new recruits. Prevention will also delegitimize the radicalization of violent extremist narrative online and off-line before it gains ground. Both the resolution we adopted and the Plan of Action focus on and call upon Member States and the entire United Nations system to cooperate, collaborate and work together to conclusively address this problem. In order to succeed, the international community must fully unite. We must never allow political differences to divide us in our efforts against a common existential threat. The United Nations, in particular the General Assembly, has an important role to play in order to positively advance the war against terror in a focused and united manner. At the national level, Kenya has established a national counter-terrorism centre that serves as an inter-agency organization to coordinate the implementation of our national counter-terrorism strategy and action plan. Our national efforts are inspired by the four pillars of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. With the enhanced coordination of national efforts, we have achieved a dramatic reduction in the number and intensity of terrorists attacks. Through increased public engagement at all levels, the war against terrorism is being prosecuted and executed by law enforcement agencies, the citizenry and local communities as a call to defend national values, democracy, freedom and our way of life. In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm our delegation’s commitment to the realization of a stronger United Nations counter-terrorism architecture through sustained engagement and cooperation to ensure the adaptation and timely implementation of various recommendations in the outcome of the current review.

Let me begin by condemning the recent terrorist attacks in Iraq, Syria, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Lebanon and by expressing my condolences to all the victims of terrorism. These tragic events demonstrate how united and global action is imperative to countering terrorism. I would also like to begin by commending the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iceland and the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Argentina and their colleagues for the hard work in facilitating the text of the fifth biennial review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution 70/291). As we convene today to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and in the two years since we adopted resolution 68/276, on the previous review, tens of thousands of innocent civilians, including women and children, have fallen victim to terrorism worldwide. Meanwhile, the number of foreign terrorist fighters has reached a record number of 31,000 individuals, who pose a serious threat to international and regional peace and security. There are still millions of people living under terrorists’ domination in Iraq and Syria. Terrorism is a multidimensional issue, and it can be defeated only if a comprehensive plan is put in place and implemented by the various relevant stakeholders in a coordinated manner. There should also be a certain level of cooperation among all actors genuinely committed to fighting terrorism, in particular at the regional level. The Strategy provides such a common platform for cooperation. This year we have before us the report of the Secretary-General entitled “Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism” (A/70/674), which was drafted in response to the request made in resolution 68/127, on “A world against violence and violent extremism”, which was initially proposed by President Rouhani and adopted by consensus by the General Assembly on 18 December 2013. President Rouhani’s idea in proposing the resolution emerged from his insight that extremist elements in the region and beyond were becoming radicalized, leading to increased violence and terrorism. Violent extremism is the most critical challenge the world faces today. It is clear that takfiri ideology, which has nothing to do with Islam, lies at very core of the great predicament of our time. The international community needs, first and foremost, to focus on this vicious ideology, which seeks to instil hatred and anger in the hearts and minds of youth everywhere in the world. Al-Qaida and the Taliban were the first so- called achievements of this extremist ideology, while the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Jabhat al-Nusra and its affiliates are the most recent. As a consequence of extremist ideologies held by takfiri groups, thousands of individuals from more than 100 countries have joined ISIL and Al-Qaida and their affiliated networks, mainly in Syria and Iraq, and have committed terrorist and other heinous inhumane acts, thereby threatening security, stability and the well-being of the societies where they operate. We could have avoided the current situation had we earlier addressed this phenomenon apart from any political or short-sighted considerations. That is why we should focus on prevention and address conditions conducive to violent extremism and terrorism. In that regard, we welcome this year’s debate on addressing the implementation of the United Nations Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. It is imperative that Member States also strive to develop their own national plans to deal comprehensively with all the drivers of violent extremism, including by countering extremist narratives that aim to incite mainly young individuals to violence and terrorism. For decades, a number of the root causes and factors have led or contributed to the spread of terrorism. The unlawful use of force against other States, foreign aggression and occupation and foreign interference in the internal affairs of other States, to name but a few, are among such causes and factors. Moreover, the excessive and disproportionate use of military force in the name of countering terrorism creates fertile ground for vicious cycles of violence and terrorism. We are of the view that countering terrorism should be done in full conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, international law and international human rights and humanitarian law. The use of force in combating terrorism by outside forces without the explicit consent of the State concerned constitutes a flagrant violation of the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which in turn endangers the rule of law at the international level. Iran opposes any attempt to equate terrorism with the legitimate struggle of peoples under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation for self- determination and national liberation. Such equivalence is aimed at prolonging occupation of territories and oppression of their peoples. The use of State power for suppression and violence against peoples struggling in opposition to foreign occupation and in exercising their inalienable right to self-determination should continue to be condemned. My delegation rejects the accusations made by representative of the Israeli regime, which itself was built on the basis of intimidation, terror and occupation. The regime is well known as the single most significant practitioner of State terrorism and is responsible for many terrorist acts. Its atrocities against the Palestinian people over many decades have fuelled the extremism crisis and other crises in our region and beyond. The Islamic Republic of Iran has been the target of terrorist acts in many different forms and manifestations. We strongly reject the unilateral preparation of lists accusing certain States of being so-called sponsors of terrorism, as well as any consequences thereof. Unilaterally prepared lists are inconsistent with international law and are being used as a political tool to advance other agendas, with the political goal of enlisting the support of Governments. Such unilateral acts, including through the misuse of judicial means, not only violate certain principles of international law but also undermine urgently required joint efforts by all States to counter terrorism. The recent political decision of the courts of the United States to seize properties of the Central Bank of Iran is a clear example of abusing banking and financial networks for fake and unsubstantiated claims to pressure our nation. The Iranian Government is committed to using all possible means at its disposal, including making a claim at the International Court of Justice, to recover its properties that were illegally seized by the United States authorities. In conclusion, we must recognize that selective or double standards and the simple categorization of some kinds of terrorism as “good” and other kinds as “bad” terrorism based on short-term political interests will not help us to uproot terrorism. Such wrong-minded approaches only undermine international trust and cooperation in countering terrorism. The international community’s approach to fighting this scourge should be unified and indiscriminate. Just as we have successfully accomplished the fifth biennial review of the Strategy over the past two days, so must we carefully follow up with national, regional and global plans to implement the Strategy in a comprehensive way, with the cooperation of all, in a balanced manner and with sufficient attention to the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism while avoiding double standards and discrimination for better and lasting results.

My delegation would first like to thank the President of the General Assembly for convening this fifth biennial review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We also wish to thank the Secretary General for his report on the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy of the United Nations (A/70/826), as well as for his Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, contained in resolution 70/254, adopted last February, the General Assembly called for a review of the Plan of Action as part of the meeting to be held to review of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. My delegation warmly congratulates His Excellency Mr. Martín Garcia Moritán, Permanent Representative of Argentina, and His Excellency Mr. Einar Gunnarsson, Permanent Representative of Iceland, for the efforts and energy they deployed in co-facilitating the negotiations on the important resolution 70/291, adopted at such a difficult time. We also offer our congratulations to their staff for the efforts they made in this laborious work. Not a day goes by without terrorist attacks being perpetrated here and there. The despicable terrorist attacks that struck Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, Brussels, San Bernardino, Orlando and Paris, as well as other parts of the world, are horrible, reprehensible acts. My delegation therefore condemns these attacks in the strongest possible terms, offers its condolences to the families of the victims and reiterates the steadfast position of the Kingdom of Morocco in firmly condemning terrorism in all its forms and underlining that nothing can justify a terrorist act. Terrorism must not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. The Moroccan delegation aligns itself with the statement made by His Excellency Mr. Abdallah Y Al-Mouallimi, Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia, on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (see A/70/PV.109), and wishes to make the following remarks in its national capacity. The adoption of the United Nations Global-Counter Terrorism Strategy in September 2006 was a turning point in the direction of the efforts of the international community in the fight against terrorism. However, since the review meeting of 2014 (see A/68/PV.94 et seq.), the world has been turned upside down and is reeling from the new reality that large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria are under the control of what is known as the Islamic State, or Da’esh. Moreover, the world has seen the unprecedented proliferation of terrorist groups affiliated with Da’esh or Al-Qaida. Those terrorist groups lack all legitimate ties to Islam and are far removed from the precepts of Islam. Their ideology is one of death, obscurantism and the rejection of all values ​shared by humankind. Da’esh continues to spread its destructive ideology and recruits young people from throughout the world. More than 30,000 foreign terrorist fighters have joined its ranks. The financial rewards that have resulted from the illegal trafficking of oil, works of art and cultural property — as well as the exploitation of communication technologies linked to the Internet and social media, including Facebook and Twitter, among others — have allowed Da’esh to recruit foreign terrorist fighters from throughout the world, mobilize them and deploy them to carry out attacks. Furthermore, a rivalry has emerged between the terrorist groups Al-Qaida and Da’esh to see how far each group can extend its influence and perpetrate further bloody attacks. The fifth review meeting, which coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Strategy, is taking place in the context of that growing terrorist threat. That calls for a dynamic solidarity to counter the scourge of terrorism and the violent extremism that leads to terrorism. Consequently, the Moroccan delegation has participated in the fifth review actively, seriously and constructively in order to reach a consensual text. My delegation welcomes the consensus adoption of resolution 70/291. The text presented by the two co-facilators is built on a compromise in which some of the concerns of each delegation is addressed. The objective of this exercise is to agree on suitable means for implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and meet the challenges of terrorism and violent extremism leading to terrorism. The adoption of the resolution by consensus also seeks to send a strong message of the international community’s unity and solidarity in fighting terrorism. Similarly, it recognizes the importance of the United Nations as a cornerstone in coordinating the fight against terrorism and the relevance of multilateral work. It is also a means of invigorating the sustainability of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, giving it life and the ability to meet the challenges. A sound and balanced implementation of its four pillars will surely contribute to countering terrorism and violent extremism. Those are the main elements that are reflected in the resolution. My delegation welcomes the resolution’s particular focus on the fight against foreign terrorist fighters and the threat of their return home through measures curbing their movement, draining their financial resources, controlling borders, fighting terrorist narratives and ideologies, promoting international cooperation, recognizing the role of young people and women in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, and reaffirming the importance of respect for every State’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity. Those are all shared points on which the international community is in agreement in the resolution. It is in that spirit and objective that the Kingdom of Morocco joined the consensus. On this occasion, my delegation wishes once again to congratulate the two co-facilitators for their efforts and the serious manner in which they discharged their responsibility. The interest of Member States in the implementation of all four pillars of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the provisions of Security Council resolutions 2178 (2014), on foreign terrorist fighters, and 2253 (2015), on suppressing the sources of financing for terrorism, requires the United Nations to play an important role to help them in that work by training leaders in developing countries and supporting the upgrade of their legal, criminal and security resources in order to fight terrorism more effectively. The Kingdom of Morocco takes this opportunity to welcome the efforts of the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Centre and to thank Saudi Arabia for its $100 million donation to enhance its operation. It also welcomes the efforts carried out by the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force and the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and will continue to fully cooperate with them. The Kingdom of Morocco is committed to the fight against terrorism and violent extremism at the United Nations and in other forums, such as the Global Counter- Terrorism Forum (GCTF), which it has co-chaired with the Netherlands since April. In the framework of the GCTF, our two countries also co-chair the Working Group on Foreign Terrorist Fighters. At the national level, Morocco has developed a comprehensive and coherent approach oriented towards prevention and action, while being consistent with the provisions of the four pillars of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and relevant Security Council resolutions. The Kingdom of Morocco’s approach to countering terrorism and violent extremism was the subject of a briefing to the Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee at a high-level event on 30 September 2014. It was based on the following four principles. The first involves optimizing security management, upgrading the legal counter-terrorism framework, adopting new laws and maintaining vigilance in security, which has allowed for the dismantling of several dozen terrorist cells. The second involves the 2005 launch of the National Initiative for Human Development, aimed at fighting social disparity, exclusion and vulnerability. The third deals with restructuring and reforming the religious sector, in particular by establishing a scholarly authority responsible for interpreting the texts of the Koran and the Hadith — the explanations of the Prophet — and by training young men and women preachers in the authentic precepts of Islam, based on the values ​of dialogue, tolerance, moderation, coexistence and respect for others advocated by our religion, Islam. The last involves the launch of a programme for the deradicalization, rehabilitation and integration of foreign terrorist fighters. Morocco has shared its experience in training preachers with several friendly countries in Africa, Europe and in the Muslim world through bilateral agreements.

The delegation of Kazakhstan thanks the President for convening this meeting and the Permanent Representatives and delegations of Argentina and Iceland, our very able coordinators of the consultations on the review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We also thank the Secretary-General for his report on the activities of the United Nations system in implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/70/826). The fight against international terrorism demands a long-term and comprehensive approach and regional and global cooperation, with the active participation of all States Members of the United Nations. As a party to all major international conventions on the fight against terrorism, Kazakhstan welcomes the consensus achieved by the General Assembly on the fifth review of the Strategy. Kazakhstan has always stood for strengthening the national capabilities of the States Members of the United Nations to address international terrorism and violent extremism through regional and international cooperation. We should never lose sight of the human dimension of terrorism. My country is therefore of the conviction that the implementation of the Strategy at the regional and national levels is also crucial to promoting the Sustainable Development Goals. Kazakhstan is guided by the Strategy and the other international universal instruments it has ratified and is actively engaged in the work of regional organizations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization. We are also enhancing our cooperation with such United Nations entities as the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee and others. At the regional level, we are actively implementing the Joint Plan of Action for the Implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia, adopted in 2011, which equally addresses all four pillars of the Strategy and remains an important instrument for enhancing cooperation in countering terrorism among the countries of Central Asia. The Plan was elaborated by States of the region, the CTITF, the European Union and the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. At the national level, we have adopted a State programme to counter religious extremism and terrorism in the Republic of Kazakhstan for the 2013- 2017 period, which is a significant tool that is fully aligned with the ideas of the Global Strategy. The main goal of the programme is to ensure the security of the people, the State and society through improved measures to minimize and eliminate the consequences of this double scourge. Special attention is being paid to increasing the active engagement of society, local communities and non-governmental organizations in prevention efforts and in revamping outreach activities among target groups. Recent developments in the different regions of the world show the need for effective joint action in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. In that regard, we would like to mention the very relevant initiatives undertaken by President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan during the General Assembly’s debates last year, such as establishing a United Nations-led counter- terrorism coalition, developing a common mechanism for tracing, detaining and extraditing the perpetrators of violent extremism and terrorism, and establishing a unified list of terrorist organizations. Therefore, we welcome the adoption of resolution 70/291, on the fifth review of the Global Strategy, as a step forward in that direction. Prevention is always among our top priorities; we therefore welcome the Secretary-General’s initiative to address this issue by presenting his Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism (A/70/674). We call on delegations to further develop and extend the scope of the Secretary-General’s initiative. As an important measure to prevent terrorism and violent extremism and with a view to promoting dialogue, Kazakhstan triennially convenes in Astana the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, bringing together religious and political leaders to promote peace. In like manner, we hold inclusive and democratic gatherings of citizens and youth groups in every locality of our country through the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. On 6 May, at the initiative of Kazakhstan and Jordan, Mr. Mogens Lykketoft, President of the General Assembly, convened a high-level debate on religions for peace, which issued very significant recommendations for the future. To conclude, we join with others in offering our sympathy and condolences to those States that suffered from the recent terrorist attacks. The Republic of Kazakhstan reiterates its commitment to working with other States Members of the United Nations to more effectively combat the ever-increasing scourge of terrorism.

Allow me at the outset to express my deep thanks and gratitude to the Permanent Representatives of Argentina and Iceland for their commendable efforts as facilitators of the fifth review of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. I also wish to express my sincere condolences to all of the victims of the terrorist acts, especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Iraq. This year’s review, which falls on the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Strategy, regrettably coincides with an increase in terrorist acts throughout the world. Last month, one such dastardly terrorist act struck my country and soldiers. This year’s review constitutes a turning point in the efforts of the international community to combat terrorism and address a variety of issues, including by striving to adapt the United Nations and its specialized bodies to combat terrorism internally and implementing the Secretary- General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism (A/70/674), which Jordan welcomes as an important, non-binding guideline for Member States to develop their national plans in consonance with the principle of national ownership in order to address all the factors that contribute to the growth of violent extremism. My delegation is fully satisfied with the resolution and welcomes its adoption. We also welcome the consensus reached despite some differences in points of view. I would like to raise several issues in that regard. First, it is important for Member States to develop domestic plans to combat violent extremism according to their national needs. Secondly, we must address the threats posed by the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters and the exploitation of terrorists of information and communications technology and social networks. Thirdly, we must continue to empower our youth to combat terrorism and violent extremism, and protect them from falling prey to terrorist organizations. Fourthly, we must prioritize strengthening cooperation, integration, coordination and synergy among the United Nations organs. Fifthly, before granting asylum, all States should take the necessary steps to safeguard their country and citizens. In closing, combating and preventing terrorism requires the joint efforts and continuous coordination of all stakeholders in order to support the countries on the front line, such as Jordan.

Allow me at the outset to express my delegation’s sincere condolences to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Bangladesh, Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan following the terrorist attacks in their countries. I would also like to thank you, Sir, for presiding over this debate on the fifth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and to commend the Secretary-General for his report (A/70/826), which highlights the activities of the United Nations system in implementing the Strategy. I also thank the Ambassadors of Argentina and Iceland and their teams for their professionalism and commendable efforts to facilitate the negotiations on the fifth review of the Strategy, and for obtaining a consensus on resolution 70/291, adopted on 1 July, which in our view marks an important step in the adaptation of our response to the current challenges posed by terrorism. My delegation welcomes the opportunity to participate in this debate, which allows my country to reaffirm its full support for the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy and its global implementation, and to reiterate that both the General Assembly and the Security Council should continue to play a central role in guiding future United Nations efforts to combat terrorism and to prevent violent extremism. Tunisia owes its success to the commitment of all stakeholders to dialogue and compromise, and to the active participation of civil society in overcoming the difficulties of the democratic transition, including through the adoption of a new Constitution and the holding of free and transparent legislative and presidential elections in 2014. These actions earned my country, among other accolades, the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015. These important and prestigious advances, however, cannot hide the challenges we face. In framing today’s debate, I would note in particular the challenge of combating terrorism, because it is truly an unprecedented challenge for my country. In addressing it, Tunisia has adopted a comprehensive approach based on the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and relevant Security Council resolutions. This fight is difficult and costly and requires sacrifice. Tunisia pays a ringing tribute to those brave men and women who have sacrificed so much in defending its democratic achievements, protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, respecting the decisions of our people, preserving our deeply rooted Arab-Muslim identity, and translating the success of our democratic transition into socioeconomic gains that help the most vulnerable populations, thereby pre-empting the radicalization of the most materially and intellectually disenfranchised. In the short term, this task is not easy. No one will deny that the regional climate is under continuous threat from successive waves of tension and conflicts, without real prospects of sustainable solutions for some. However, Tunisia is committed to combating this phenomenon through the rule of law. Tunisia has therefore worked to align its new organic law to combat terrorism and money-laundering, enacted in August 2015, with international counter-terrorism instruments and the relevant Security Council resolutions. The law criminalizes support, incitement, training, recruitment, justifications, and travel to conflict zones, consistent with relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2178 (2014). Through this law, we have also established a legal framework to combat terrorism and a national commission to combat terrorism and extremist violence, which is tasked, inter alia, with ensuring that we follow through with our international counter- terrorism commitments. We have also recently developed, in close cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, a national strategy inspired by the United Nations counter-terrorism methodology and approach. It is a comprehensive and multisectoral strategy to combat terrorism and violent extremism on the basis of four pillars: prevention, protection, follow- up and response. Under its prevention pillar, it seeks to thwart the direct or indirect recruitment of youth, particularly via the Internet, to counter the doctrines of terrorist groups and thereby reduce their impact on the most vulnerable populations in society. Moreover, the strategy recommends bolstering pedagogical approaches; promoting a culture of dialogue, peace and tolerance; preventing radicalization; pursuing development in marginalized zones and regions; and rejecting any and all justifications for terrorist acts. New measures have been implemented along those lines. In that connection, in 2016 the Ministry of Religious Affairs launched a campaign under the slogan “Tomorrow will be better”, aimed at mentoring our young people and promoting moderate Islam through art, culture and communication. In particular, the campaign intends to create an interactive website and a call centre tasked with responding to young people’s questions about religion. Events are also being planned in schools, cultural venues and in other places throughout the country where our young people need the most guidance. Similarly, the Minister of National Education has published white papers on educational reform in Tunisia, under the slogan “For high-performing, equitable Tunisian schools that educate citizens and elevate the country”. The fruit of in-depth national consultations with all stakeholders, the project primarily focuses on the importance of protecting young people in schools from violent extremism in the framework of social, educational and cultural measures, and highlights the importance of ensuring the interaction of educational institutions with their social environment and civil society. It also stresses the need to promote active citizenry, bolster youth resilience to violent extremism, and address all forms of violence at school. In the same vein, we are ensuring that civil society and all actors participate, because this fight — a fight for the right to life that must triumph over the culture of death, a fight against a common enemy — belongs to us all. That is why we the peoples of the United Nations, to echo the first words of the Charter of the United Nations, must continue to play an essential role in supporting the efforts of countries in need to end this transnational threat. That is the common thread we have detected in the many statements made at this debate: a common enemy and a common strategy. This strategy requires joint action at all levels. Our weak link is that we have not yet been able to respond jointly to the needs created by this common threat, despite the commendable efforts of certain countries. Consequently, we welcome the fact that the resolution on the fifth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy prioritizes the strengthening of the capacities of Member State to adapt to the constantly evolving international terrorist trends, and that the text recognizes the need to devote additional financial resources to this effort and invites the Secretary-General to issue concrete recommendations by May 2017. Finally, we reiterate the resolution’s call for Member States to allocate financial resources and provide assistance of all types to the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and to the United Nations Centre for Counter-Terrorism in order to implement States’ capacity-building plans to curb the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters, which is a more concerted and coherent approach.

The vast majority of the people of Somalia reject violent extremism. The Somali Government would like to take this opportunity to extend its heartfelt condolences to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iraq, Bangladesh and the families, friends and loved ones of all the innocent victims who were affected by these evil tragedies. We stand in solidarity with the brotherly people of Turkey, as well as the world in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. We mourn with them and share their deep loss. I commend the President of the General Assembly on the successful completion of the fifth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. I would also like to thank the co-facilitators Ambassador of Argentina Martín Garcia Moritán and Ambassador of Iceland, Mr. Einar Gunnarsson, for their leadership and assiduous efforts in the process of reaching an agreement on resolution 70/291, on the fifth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The Somali Government expresses its gratitude to the United Nations for raising global awareness on preventing and countering violent extremism, and to all the participants, especially those Member States that have shared with us their experiences, challenges and practices. Working across Government, with the active involvement of regional administrations, as well as civil society, the Federal Government of Somalia, with the support of the European Union and the blueprint Somalia project, has developed a comprehensive Somali-owned, Somali-led national strategy and plan of action for preventing and countering violent extremism. Our efforts in developing this strategy also highlight the importance of working closely with our international partners. The Secretary-General recently recommended that each Member State develop a national plan of action that sets national priorities for addressing the local drivers of violent extremism. He also stressed the importance of developing action plans in a multidisciplinary manner to include countering and preventing violent extremism measures, with input from a wide range of Government actors, such as law enforcement, social service providers and ministries of education and religious affairs, as well as non-governmental actors, such as women, the private sector and civil-society leaders. Our strategy and plan of action take all these recommendations on board. They lay out the collective vision of the Federal Government of Somalia and develop initiatives to better understand and prevent and counter extremist influences, which threaten Somalia’s security and stability. It forms an essential and complementary element to the Somali Government’s efforts to address national security threats within a framework of good governance, human rights and the rule of law. In conclusion, we are very encouraged by the progress made towards the inclusive process, which has gone into this Strategy and the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism (A/70/694). We have no doubt that the guidance this document provides will help Somalia to become more resilient and to find the lasting peace we all want and deserve.

I would like to express our profound gratitude to Ambassadors Moritán and Gunnarsson for leading a fair, transparent and consultative process of review. We commend their tireless efforts towards a consensual adoption of resolution 70/291. We also appreciate the constructive spirit of all delegations. Indeed, the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy deserves a strong and united message from Member States. My delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (see A/70/PV.109). The sad events of the past few days in Turkey, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia have served as a harrowing reminder of the challenges we face today — a reminder that our task does not finish with the adoption of the resolution. The scourge of terrorism continues and has indeed intensified. While our resolve remains firm, our mission remains unaccomplished. The revised and updated Strategy captures our collective determination to continue pursuing recommendations in four key areas: tackling the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism; preventing and combating terrorism; building the capacities of Member States for implementation and ensuring respect for human rights while countering terrorism. Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirms its unequivocal commitment to fight this battle, regardless of the cost. My country has made huge sacrifices in this battle, yet we persevere. Our resolve and determination continue to strengthen. No country is immune to terrorism or its negative effects, and no country alone can defeat this menace. The only way forward in this fight is strengthening international cooperation. And the United Nations, with its cardinal principles that seek to enhance the same, provides the best vehicle for the purpose. The resolution we adopted last week represents the collective will of the General Assembly. Since the adoption of the Strategy 10 years ago, Pakistan has accorded high importance to its implementation. Few countries can match the national efforts undertaken by Pakistan for the cause of counter- terrorism; fewer still can match our sacrifices. Two years ago, Pakistan elaborated in detail its comprehensive efforts at the national level to counter terrorism. Since then, we have further intensified measures and organized our efforts. Our law enforcement operation, Zarb-e-Azab, has had significant success. It is the single largest national counter-terrorism operation anywhere in the world. We will continue this operation until we have achieved our objectives. The establishment of special courts for terrorist offenders, arms-control measures and the strengthening of the national counter-terrorism authority and the financial monitoring unit are all part of our robust countermeasures against terrorism. Last year, thanks to our national legislative measures, the Financial Action Task Force acknowledged that our counter- financing for terrorism measures were in line with its recommendations. We have also shaped a 20-point national action plan to counter terrorism with a lot of focus on preventive actions. This includes measures against hate speech and sectarian violence, the protection of minorities, the prevention of exploitation of the media and Internet by terrorists and violent extremists, developing an effective counternarrative to terrorist propaganda, the reform of the educational system, the registration and regularization of madrassas, political reconciliation and economic uplift programmes for targeted areas, criminal justice sector reform and, finally, the registration of refugees. Fully realizing the need for a whole-of-society approach, the Government of Pakistan has undertaken concerted efforts towards the promotion and protection of women’s rights, enhancing the capacity of our law- enforcement agencies and harnessing the potential of youth. The Prime Minister’s youth programme has benefited thousands of youth in completing education or pursuing higher studies, as well as encouraging entrepreneurship with a view to providing them hope and a future while saving them from despair and despondency. In pursuing our goals, we have also benefited from cooperation with United Nations agencies, in particular our work with the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force for a youth skills development programme and partnership with the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate for enhancing the capacity of our criminal justice sector. While Pakistan, in its national capacity, will continue to do all it can, there are many areas of work, both in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism, which require bilateral and international cooperation for success. Pakistan is keen on creating an environment that is conducive to such cooperation. Before I conclude, let me assure you, Sir, of Pakistan’s continued and tireless efforts to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism nationally, regionally and internationally, as well as to pursue our constructive engagement with other Member States to build a consensual and normative framework to counter terrorism and violent extremism.

At the outset, Qatar aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (see A/70/PV.109). I wish to extend our appreciation to the co-facilitators of the consultations on resolution 70/291 for their efforts. I would like to express our condemnation of all terrorist acts, including the cowardly criminal attacks against Saudi Arabia. Those acts run counter to all humanitarian and ethical values, as well as the tolerance found in Islamic teachings. We would also like to express our support for all measures and procedures to be adopted by Saudi Arabia in order to protect its security and stability. The ongoing terrorist attacks in a number of regions around the world mean that terrorism has no religion, no identity and no nationality. Therefore, we must fight it at all levels. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is the appropriate framework for such collective efforts. In that regard, I would like to reiterate Qatar’s commitment to the Strategy and its determination to safeguard peace and security in the world. Therefore, we must reject any association of terrorism with any culture or religion. We must respect all civilizations and religions and the values of coexistence and tolerance. We must distinguish between the right to self-determination and the fight against foreign occupation and terrorism. We must also stress that, in countering terrorism, we must also respect international humanitarian law and human rights law. In response to the aspirations of youth, we need to establish programmes and an educational framework that includes and integrates them, while also addressing unemployment and countering terrorist narratives. Concern for our youth therefore remains an integral part of our policies at the national level. We have also taken the initiative, in collaboration with other partners, of convening a high-level meeting of the General Assembly focused on children and youth affected by violent extremism and on reintegrating them into society. The threat posed by terrorist groups that recruit and move terrorists across borders also needs to be addressed. However, the security response should be complemented with addressing the root causes and motivations behind this phenomenon. Terrorism was not created in a vacuum; it grew and developed in fragile environments. It should be addressed within the framework of the rule of law and adopting a comprehensive approach. Qatar is focusing greater attention on working with national and international mechanisms for uprooting terrorism and addressing its root causes. We have adopted a number of laws commensurate with the new challenges. We have also established specialized national institutions, such as the national counter-terrorism centre and a body to counter money-laundering and the financing of terrorism. Those institutions are implementing instruments adopted by the international community to eradicate terrorism. In conclusion, representatives of the Syrian regime have failed in their efforts to label as terrorists those Syrians who are demanding their legitimate rights and those countries that have expressed support for such demands or that have condemned the regime’s reppressive policies. It is ironic that the representatives of a regime that practices State-sponsored terrorism is labelling as terrorist countries that are known within the United Nations system as being committed to respect for human rights, as well as to international law at the national and international levels. Those are the very countries known for their active contributions to resolving disputes through peaceful means.

At the outset, I would like to join previous speakers in expressing heartfelt sadness and condolences to those countries that have lost citizens as a result of the recent barbarous terrorist attacks. Many countries have been affected in every region of the world. I would also like to thank the Ambassador of Argentina and the Ambassador of Iceland and their teams for having passionately and positively negotiated resolution 70/291, adopted by the General Assembly last week, concerning the fifth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which came into being 10 years ago. The r resolution symbolizes the international community’s shared determination to stand together as we fight the forces of evil as represented by terrorism. This common effort is very much in line with the thinking of President Paul Biya of Cameroon, who has repeatedly stated that a global problem requires a global solution. In the Lake Chad Basin generally, and in the far north of my country in particular, the terrorist group Boko Haram has struck once again, this time on 29 June in the locality of Djakana, where they indiscriminately killed 11 young people and seriously wounded four others. The group was robustly confronted by my country’s defence and security forces. Faced with that determination, the terrorists have for some time chosen the kamikaze method of action, which is cowardice exercised by those who have no other way to respond. My country is working together with a multinational joint task force on the security front. We have no doubt that we will prevail, as civil society has established self-defence committees in the combat zones. The people of Cameroon have risen up as one in the spirit of national solidarity, and they are providing assistance in kind to support the soldiers who are fighting. Our forces obviously fight quite fiercely, while respecting human rights and international law. On the humanitarian front, intensive fighting has been taking place with the support of United Nations bodies and humanitarian agencies in the Lake Chad Basin, in the far north, in the Adamawa region and in the eastern part of my country, which have been hosting a great number of refugees and internally displaced persons. On the diplomatic front, the Peace and Security Council of the Community of Central African States, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the United Nations Security Council have mobilized on several occasions, and their support has strengthened the fight of the countries in the Lake Chad region. With regard to our efforts in the area of socioeconomic development, on the initiative of President Biya, the Government has put in place an emergency plan to implement development projects in the region in order to prevent poverty and abject poverty from being used as a catalyst for further exacerbating the conflict. Lastly, Cameroon’s imams and religious leaders are organizing nationally and locally regular sermons on peace, equity, philanthropy, tolerance, love for one’s neighbour, charity and moderation, which are the true values of Islam. Those efforts are aimed at deradicalizing the minds of people and avoiding extremism and obscurantism, sources of indiscriminate violence. Let me conclude by thanking all our bilateral and multilateral partners that are actively supporting us in many ways to help our country and the countries in the Lake Chad Basin to eradicate Boko Haram, which the Security Council has listed as a terrorist organization. As is underscored by resolution 70/291, financial contributions and capacity-building must be allocated to our country and those in the Lake Chad Basin that are facing the conflict and fighting the Boko Haram group. Today more than yesterday, tomorrow more than today and the day after tomorrow more than tomorrow, the international community has to stand against Boko Haram collectively and resolutely here in the General Assembly and ask the Security Council to use all the means at its disposal for prevention and action, as provided for in the Charter of the United Nations, in order to counter all the terrorist movements that abuse Islam — which in fact has nothing to do with extremists’ obscurantism, which is attributable to a despicable charlatan.

At the outset, I would like to express our sincere thanks to the President of the General Assembly for the importance he has attached to the fifth Review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. I would also like to extend our appreciation and thanks to the co-facilitators, the Permanent Representative of Iceland and the Permanent Representative of Argentina, for their efforts in coordinating the process and helping to reach consensus on review resolution 70/291. Algeria associates itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (see A/70/PV.109). My delegation would like to reiterate once more its strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including those acts and activities that support, encourage, justify or promote it directly or indirectly. Terrorism has no religion, no homeland, no borders and no justification. It should in no way be associated with any particular culture, religion, civilization or human community. Algeria supports the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the outstanding efforts of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force through its work as a focal point for the bodies and entities involved in implementing the Strategy. In that regard, I would like to stress the necessity of preserving the biennial review process of the Strategy, aimed at the Strategy’s enrichment and its adaptation to the changing requirements for combating terrorism, including the evolving challenges that this transnational scourge presents. That is also required to ensure the effectiveness of the implementation of its four pillars in a comprehensive manner. We note that the resolution that we have adopted reflects that need. My delegation would like to underline the importance of consolidating efforts with regard to the Strategy by enhancing cooperation at the bilateral, regional and international levels, strengthening capabilities and exchanging best practices and expertise on combating terrorism. In that regard, it is important to highlight the role of the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Centre in consolidating the Strategy’s pillars and encouraging Member States to provide it with adequate financial and human resources. We welcome the reaffirmation in resolution 70/291 by the General Assembly of its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and unity of all States in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, within the framework of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. On every occasion, Algeria has called for this commitment to be observed. In addition, we believe that any selective approach towards the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations is simply not acceptable. Such a selective approach might have a counter effect. To be more explicit: the international community cannot evade its responsibilities with regard to the realization of the right to self-determination of all peoples that are still under foreign occupation and alien domination. In that regard, we welcome the reaffirmation in this year’s resolution of Member States’ determination to continue to do all they can to resolve conflicts, end foreign occupation, confront oppression, eradicate poverty and promote sustained economic growth, sustainable development, global prosperity, good governance, human rights for all and the rule of law, improve intercultural understanding and ensure respect for all religions, religious values, beliefs and cultures. Furthermore, the fight against violent extremism and terrorism must also include the rejection of xenophobia and Islamophobia, which are emerging as the new faces of violent extremism. Algeria has learned a precious lesson from its bitter experience in the fight against violent extremism, terrorism and its roots. Since the last review process in 2014, and during the past two years, my country, Algeria, has taken significant qualitative steps and made tremendous efforts in preventing violent extremism and countering terrorism. Those steps consolidate the achievements of the historical reconciliation policy submitted by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in the form of the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation, which was adopted in a referendum by an overwhelming majority of the Algerian people. Our experience shows that, as important as it may be, the total defeat of terrorism using security measures alone will always fail because terrorism will always exploit and use the shortcomings existing in every society to justify its actions. Algeria firmly believes that the battle to be waged against this dreadful scourge must be enacted daily and encompass all areas of activity, including the political, institutional, economic, cultural, religious, educational and social realms. Any hope of success requires the active involvement of all national institutions, all societal stakeholders and all citizens. The Algerian authorities therefore adopted a strategy designed to shield each citizen and society as a whole from any influence or manipulation by the advocates of violent extremism and terrorism. That strategy is implemented at several levels. It is based, first, on permanently strengthening participatory democracy; secondly, on the rule of law and social justice; and, thirdly, on promoting development that offers equal opportunities for each and every citizen. All those aspects are addressed and well framed in a comprehensive way in our national plan for deradicalization and prevention against violent extremism. Obviously, the fight against terrorism and violent extremism requires greater attention, and must be the subject of sustained bilateral, regional and international cooperation. Algeria’s efforts to combat terrorism have always been aimed at increasing regional and international cooperation, even before the manifestation of the major acts of international terrorism that the world has known. From the outset, Algeria has sought to strengthen Africa’s efforts against terrorism at the Africa level, and, as a result, many international instruments and initiatives have emerged and are playing a very important role today in enhancing the effectiveness of Africa’s efforts in that regard. In the Sahel region, the concept of coordination and cooperation finds its full potential in view of the prevailing situation, which requires both coordination and strengthening the capacities of the countries of the region. In that regard, Algeria has engaged in a concerted approach through various cooperation mechanisms. To name just one recent activity at the regional level, on 27 and 28 April Algeria hosted the consultative meeting on the start-up of the African Union mechanism for police cooperation with the participation of the African Union Commission and the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism. My country stressed the need for enhanced cooperation among police and law-enforcement agencies in Africa and the benefits of such cooperation in the fight against transnational organized crime and terrorism. My country appreciates the level of our cooperation with United Nations mechanisms and specialized programmes in combating terrorism and is willing to develop it further. In addition, Algeria’s membership in the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum reflects its commitment to participating in every relevant forum to promote international cooperation against terrorism. In that context, Algeria co-chairs with Canada the working group on strengthening capabilities against terrorism in the Sahel region. Algeria has also hosted and participated in a number of coordination and assessment activities aimed at strengthening capabilities and exchanging expertise in order to implement best practices in addressing terrorism in all its aspects. In conclusion, Algeria hopes that the resolution that we adopted by consensus last Friday will be another effective building block within our collective endeavours to combat and eliminate international terrorism.

In accordance with resolution 48/5, of 13 October 1993, I now give the floor to the observer for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the Anti-Terrorism Unit of the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) Transnational Threats Department. For the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, it is an honour to participate in the fifth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The OSCE is a valuable partner in effectively preventing violent extremism and countering terrorism. In implementing the Strategy, the OSCE uses its comparative advantages, namely, generating political will among its 57 participating States; raising awareness among State authorities, civil society and the private sector; and building capacity on the ground. Since the previous review, in 2014, the OSCE has undertaken several key activities, first, to prevent and counter violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism, and, secondly, to prevent the movement of foreign terrorist fighters. We would also like to offer three recommendations for improving collaboration between the United Nations and regional organizations, in particular the OSCE. Let me outline our mandate in counter-terrorism. As the largest regional security arrangements under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, the OSCE is committed to support the implementation of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the relevant Security Council resolutions. We base our action on a comprehensive mandate agreed by consensus by our 57 participating States, which span an area from Vancouver to Vladivostok, via Vienna. In the light of the global increase in terrorist incidents, that mandate has been reaffirmed and strengthened. In 2014, the OSCE Ministerial Council in Basel pledged our support for the implementation of Security Council 2178 (2014), on the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters. In December 2015, the Ministerial Council in Belgrade adopted a comprehensive declaration on preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism, as well as a second declaration underscoring our cooperation as a regional body. The former declaration identifies a number of good practices, also reflected in the United Nations Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, presented by the Secretary-General in December 2015. The Plan of Action was welcomed by the German OSCE chairmanship and by the OSCE Secretary-General. We believe it can play a critical role in galvanizing the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, in particular pillar I. The OSCE particularly welcomes the emphasis that the Plan places on enhancing efforts at the regional level. Turning to our key supporting activities since the 2014 review, preventing terrorism and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism has remained a strategic priority for the OSCE over the past two years. In the area of awareness-raising and political will, we have pursued our decade-old efforts to raise awareness and facilitate an exchange of good practices on countering incitement to terrorism and countering terrorist radicalization, while upholding human rights and the rule of law. The OSCE chairmanships in 2015 and 2016, of Serbia and Germany, respectively, convened OSCE-wide conferences at the level of national counter-terrorism coordinators, focused on preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism. We are also working hard to strengthen our engagement and collaboration with the United Nations, other regional organizations, OSCE Partners for Cooperation and many others. For example, the OSCE drafted the good practices document on women and countering violent extremism, which was adopted by the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum in September 2015 and recognized in Security Council resolution 2242 (2015). The OSCE Transnational Threats Department is working jointly with the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media regarding counter-terrorism policies and media freedom and responsibilities. We held an initial workshop in Bucharest in October 2015, and we will follow up in Sarajevo in September, with a focus on preventing and countering online violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism. Parallel to those discussions, we are developing an OSCE e-leaming module on countering the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes, with the support of international experts, including those from the United Nations. With regard to capacity-building, the OSCE is assisting several of its participating States to develop and implement comprehensive national strategies and action plans to counter violent extremism and terrorism. The development of such plans is one of the key recommendations of the Secretary-General in his report (A/70/826) on the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We are also launching a new initiative called Leaders against Intolerance and Violent Extremism to build capacity at the grass-roots level. The aim is to empower local civil-society leaders, including women and youth, to speak up and mobilize their communities against violent extremism. Recently, we organized several innovative training activities, including social media training for youth on countering violent extremist narratives and table-top exercises to promote inter-agency coordination. We are also developing a training programme for police officers on the role of community policing in preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism. The training is based on a joint guidebook of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. All those activities are contributing to our communications campaign, OSCE United in Countering Violent Extremism. The campaign was kick-started last year and seeks to leverage the potential of social media to engage and rally youth and civil society in support of the global consensus against violent extremism. We have achieved an unprecedented outreach of 9 million people in less than a year. Preventing the movement of foreign terrorist fighters is highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report on the implementation of the Counter-Terrorism Strategy. It points to three areas where more efforts are required: first, strengthening border-control capacity; secondly, enhancing the use of advance passenger information; and, thirdly, increasing the use of INTERPOL databases. The OSCE travel document security programme focuses specifically on those work streams in order to implement Security Council resolution 2178 (2014). With regard to strengthening border control, we see that, although the use of technology at borders has increased, the importance of having border officers with the ability to detect foreign terrorist fighters has also increased. Therefore, we have organized a series of national trainings on the latest forgery techniques in passports, and we are developing a mobile training team to support States in identifying foreign terrorist fighters. We also have a dedicated Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, which holds both monthly and annual staff courses for border guards. On enhancing the use of advance passanger information, the OSCE is a partner in the global project led by the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre to raise awareness on the issue. Next month, the OSCE will co-host in Vienna the third regional workshop. In addition, we have been consistently briefing our 57 participating States on the requirement that airlines provide States with such data, in accordance with resolution 2178 (2014). The German OSCE chairmanship is currently negotiating a politically binding commitment that would call on States to implement the advance passanger information exchange programmes within the existing internationally agreed standards to prevent the movement of foreign terrorist fighters. Finally, we are working on capacity-building in order to support and assist States in the establishment of advance passanger information systems, in cooperation with the relevant international organizations. On icreasing the use of INTERPOL databases, the OSCE had previously adopted by consensus decisions on the use of INTERPOL databases. The challenge, as highlighted by the Secretary-General, is to increase the use of those databases. Therefore, as part of the decision to be negotiated on advance passanger information, we are making a push to increase the political will for establishing the automated cross- checking of data against INTERPOL databases. On the capacity-building front, the OSCE is working with INTERPOL to increase access at border control points to INTERPOL databases. In summary, the OSCE is a valuable partner to effectively prevent violent extremism and to counter terrorism. On implementation, our existing capacity- building projects to counter violent extremism and to enhance traveller identification at the border make us well placed to partner with international organizations in supporting States. On awareness- raising, we use a combination of conferences, targeted workshops, online campaigning and focal-point networks to raise awareness of the commitments in the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and how States can implement them. On political will, the OSCE increases standards and norms through the adoption of politically binding decisions by consensus among the 57 participating States. We would like to offer three points about the OSCE collaboration with the United Nations. First, United Nations entities, coordinated through the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, should fully embrace regional organizations such as the OSCE at the beginning of the planning process whenever possible. Structurally, the OSCE has programme managers dedicated to all aspects of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which allow our joint efforts to be more sustainable and effective. Secondly, our activities require a mechanism that allows funding to be shared between organizational structures. This allows much-needed grant money for a partner organization to leverage regional capacity when the grant terms reinforce joint activities through subgrants. Thirdly, our aim for two years from now, during the sixth biennial review of the Strategy, should be even more confidence-building and efficiency in transforming the number of positive words expressed today and the days before into sustainable actions. That would allow us to unlock the human resources needed for the countries that are most often the beneficiaries of workshops, training and other events. Otherwise, we would not have matched development goals with sustainable counter-terrorism actions. In conclusion, the OSCE stands ready to remain a substantive contributor in generating political will, in raising awareness and in capacity-building while implementing the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy in the area of the OSCE.

We have thus heard the last speaker in the debate on this item for this meeting. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 117?

I should like to inform members that the consideration of draft resolution A/70/L.49/Rev.1, entitled “Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa 2016-2025”, will be held at a later date to be announced.

Members will recall that the General Assembly considered, in a joint debate, agenda item 66 and its sub-items (a) and (b) and agenda item 14, at its 34th and 35th plenary meetings, held on 16 October 2015. I now give the floor to the representative of Thailand to introduce draft resolution A/70/L.50/Rev.1.

On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/70/L.50/Rev.1, entitled “Implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa”. This new draft resolution recognizes that there has been notable progress in achieving durable peace on the continent. However, in order to achieve a conflict-free Africa, the draft resolution calls for enhancing national and regional initiatives with international support to address the root causes of conflict and to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner. On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I would like to thank our coordinator from Rwanda, the facilitator from the Sudan and all partners involved in the negotiation of this text. We hope that the General Assembly will adopt this draft resolution by consensus.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/70/L.50/Rev. 1, entitled “Implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa”. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution, in addition to those delegations listed in document A/70/L.50/Rev.1, the following countries have also become sponsors of the draft: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Turkey.

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution A/70/L.50/Rev.1?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 66?

If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly decides not to discuss the report of the Second Committee which is before the Assembly today.

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 120.